Emphatic win for women’s water polo
After a tight draw in their opening game of the season UYSWC’s ladies were hoping to tip
the balance in their favour in this fixture against local rivals Leeds Beckett. Leeds initially
looked the stronger team, winning the ball at start and putting early pressure on the York
defence. It did not last long though and some nice teamwork between Beth Richards and
player of the match Louise Boaz saw the home side draw first blood. Leeds rallied briefly to
bring the score level but this served only to fire up the York girls, with Boaz scoring a rapid
hattrick to set the tone of the match. Jenny Worrell then added another before Boaz fired in
her fourth goal of the quarter. Leeds started to build some attacking plays but strong
defence from Sarah Peacop and quick reactions from keeper Fran Falcini shut them down
quickly at every attempt.
Leeds seemed refreshed after the break and managed to slot a couple past captain Falcini
but it did little to stem the flow of the York attacks. Fiona Whiting was looking in top form as
she found the net for her first of the game and Katherine Newton put herself in the mix with
an impressive solo effort of her own. Richards then made it nine for York after a great assist
from Peacop and Newton snuck in a tenth just before the halfway point.
York started the third quarter in emphatic fashion, with goals from Rosalind Latham and
Newton punishing defensive lapses by the visitors. Whiting continued her good form with
some strong tackles and swimming and was rewarded with her second goal of the game
after a York counterattack. Another goal for Richards and two more for Worrell rounded off
the quarter leaving Leeds under no illusion that there was no way back for them.
Highlighting their upper hand Peacop won the ball at the restart, allowing Boaz the
opportunity to net another goal. Boaz and Richards each got another as York continued to
bulldoze the Leeds defence. Ellie Roche then grabbed herself an impressive 4 minute
hattrick, stunning the visiting keeper who stood no chance against her shooting. The game
was rounded off with a flourish and an emphatic 22 – 4 victory for York. Spectator Hannah
How was impressed with the “dominant display, cohesive teamwork and athleticism” shown
by the UYSWC ladies.
Captain Fran Falcini found it hard to pick her player of the match as it was a ‘great team
performance with some fantastic counterattacks. What impressed me most was the high
level of play that we sustained throughout the whole match”.
YORK – Falcini (C), Latham, Newton, Roche, Peacop, Richards, Whiting, Boaz, Chidwick,
Warrener, Sutcliffe, Cooke, Worrell
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Louise Boaz